Firecracker: The Murder of Carol Ryan

When police saw what was left of Carol Ryan’s body, dumped in the driveway of a suburban compost site, they wondered what weapon could cause that level of devastation. The truth was grislier than anyone imagined, and the unsolved mystery of Carol’s murder has haunted Central New York for 27 years.

Carol’s only son blames police. After hundreds of interviews, investigators couldn’t make any leads stick. Three cops believe they know the man who killed Carol. He’s still out there. But they haven’t been able to prove it. The lead detective calls it the greatest regret of his career.

This six-part podcast from syracuse.com explores the death and life of Carol Ryan and the chilling effect her unsolved murder had on a community. Reporter Katrina Tulloch spent over a year digging into the case, interviewing 25 people including law enforcement, medical professionals, industry experts, witnesses and people who knew Carol.

The podcast outlines how Carol spent the hours leading up to her murder, how first responders bungled the crime scene, the challenges police have faced in trying to find her killer, and how DNA technology could break open the case any day.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

My name is Boo

Insensitive

The title of this podcast is insensitive considering what it’s covering. It’s disturbing sensationalism.
Nullity

Sad case but …

Knowing that there is no ending right from the start, and that most of the witnesses and probably suspects are long dead at this point, as sad as it is, makes me not wanna listen to it because I know that she will not get justice.
FfffffffffTy3

Fake?

This has to be fake.
RiliRoad

Bit underwhelming

The crime itself is dramatic and unusual and empathize with the desire to try and keep Carol Ryan’s memory and case alive. However there really didn’t seem to be enough information available to warrant a multi-episode series. A lot of witnesses have died or cannot communicate anymore and the police can’t comment on much. A lot of interviewees were only slightly related to the case (second wife of a deceased suspect, husband of deceased sister, etc.) This case went ice cold fast and stayed that way.
Kenneth E.

Redundant

If you listen to episode one you will have heard most of what this podcast has to offer. The same information is repeated over and over to the point where if this weren’t such a tragic case it would be comical. That said, I do hope someone thought to investigate all the diners who served potatoes with peels. That seems like a missed opportunity.
Bastardsack

Gross

I’m all about blood, guts, gore, horror, crime and all that good stuff. I’m into it. However, I listened to two episodes, and won’t be completing the season. The dialogue, the title of the show, as well as some of the episode titles are some of the most insensitive, and tactless I’ve come across. This woman died an absolutely aweful, painful death. She was violated like few murder and torture victims have been. Yet, the writers and host use it like fodder and for sound bites and junk “journalism.” You should be ashamed.
Reefprotect

“…hated women…”

Your law enforcement authorities repeatedly said the monster really hated women. Well, whomever the person was, they might have really hated Carol Ryan! I wonder if a son - battered by past lovers….
smikgtre

Must join Wondery for episode 2+

You can listen to episode one for free, but the rest are subscription only.
J_T_A

Handled with care and compassion

Such a sad and disturbing case was discussed with discretion and compassion for the victims and victims family. I hope Carol can find justice and peace for her family.
Kaliapad

Exploitive

I found this show so disturbing. I appreciate the intention to raise awareness of this terrible cold case- but am put off by the lack of sensitivity shown by the podcaster - to the victim and also her son. Even the title- which is a descriptor for assertive , lively women. In this case also the method of destruction. It’s the latter that gets most of the play here. I am a true crime fan, but this one lacks something fundamental- as it focuses almost entirely on the harrowing and bizarre means of the victims death and very little on her humanity. Maybe it was edited down to this hollow finished product? Choose something else to listen to….
MelanieJET

Smart and well-researched

This was a strong story. The horrible crime was not sensationalized — it was reported factually and with compassion. Thank you for showing this victim respect.
DakiLapin

Shocking story but lacking depth

Was surprised when this series was over because I didn’t feel like it had really even started. There wasn’t much of an in-depth look at the victim, the possible suspects, or the circumstances. Hopefully the podcast sparks some memories and spurs some folks to come forward. As an unconnected listener, however, it certainly falls short when compared to the deep investigation and storytelling of other series, most of which don’t have nearly the access to law enforcement and the district attorney’s office that this case had!
PodcastReviewe21167

Everyone is dead or can’t be named

This has to be one of the worst true crime series I’ve ever heard. It’s literally “everyone involved is dead and if they aren’t we can’t give you any information…” I was truly bored.
SarbearO

Title is distasteful

Considering the horrific nature, severity and circumstances of this crime, I find the title completely disrespectful! That title is used as clickbait and isn’t respectful of the victim in this crime.
Cyberbird09

Incredibly sad and harrowing

I am from the city where this happened and have never even heard of this case. I cannot wait to hear more from the journalists and family of the victim in the next episodes. Heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹
OaksKP

Syracuse!!

Excited for this, bringing starts now

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